Western Civilization Since 1648 Quiz

Western Civilization Since 1648

• Research Paper Topic: Language barrier during the age of exploration/silk road trading era. Email professor for sources.
• Textbooks: Western Civilizations, Vol. 2 by Joshua Cole; Sources of the West, Vol. 2 by Mark Kishlansky (Primary Source Book).
• Reading Schedule: Follows a schedule with chapters from Cole and Kishlansky for each week. Specific chapters and page numbers are outlined for each. (Example: January 13, Cole chapters 12-13, Kishlansky pages ix-12).
• First Exam Essay Topic: Explain the history of Western Civilization during the Age of Absolutism. Chapter 15 is crucial, and ensure to reflect covered topics. Key figures and the Divine Right of Kings should be addressed.
• How to Cite Textbooks: Use numbered citations (Example: [1]) following the author and title information. Ensure you give accurate book and page information.
• Quizzes: This included three quiz sections: (1) Fill-in-the-blanks, (2) Paragraph Definitions, and (3) Essays. The essays required paragraphs on the Protestant Reformation, the Colombian Exchange (with dates), and Louis XIV of France.
• Key Dates: Significant dates from the reading are highlighted (Example: January 2nd, 1492, Battle of Granada).

Western Civilizations Notes

• Monotheistic Religions: All civilizations believe in one God.
• Roman Catholic Church: Dominant in Europe.
• Reconquest: (711-1492 AD) period when Christians in Spain fought to reclaim land from Muslims. The Moors invaded and conquered Spain.
• January 2nd, 1492: The Battle of Granada happened.
• 1453: The Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople.
• Spices and Silk Road: Trade routes for spices and silk.
• Age of Exploration: Portugal led expeditions, driven by the desire for spices, prompted trade routes around Africa.
• Christopher Columbus: Italian explorer. Started the voyages in 1492 (thought of traveling around the globe to reach the other side of Africa).
• Christopher Columbus (cont.): He encountered the Arawaks, a native group painted bodies, with no clothes, and Caribs (cannibals).
• Reasons for Exploration: The primary motives were "God, Glory, and Gold." (Europeans wanted to find wealth, prestige, and spread their religions)
• Treaty of Tordesillas: Agreement that divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

Western Civilizations Notes (Cont.)

• Vasco da Gama: Portuguese navigator, leading a voyage to India, the spice trade, and other trade routes.
• Vasco da Gama (cont.): Opened up the Portuguese Empire.
• 1513: Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed Central America, discovering the Pacific Ocean.
• Ponce de Leon: Found Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth
• Hernán Cortés: Led the defeat of the Aztec Empire.
• Francisco Pizarro: Conquered the Inca Empire.
• Columbian Exchange: The exchange of plants, animals, diseases between the Old and New World (the Americas).

Western Civilization Notes (Cont.)

• Diseases: European diseases wiped out an estimated 95% of the native American population. This opened the way for the enslavement of Africans. Diseases like yellow fever, malaria, smallpox, and syphilis ravaged populations.
• Bartolome de las Casas: Spanish priest who spoke out against the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
• Slavery: Prisoners of War, criminals, and those with debt provided a consistent slave source.
• The Moors: In Ghana, Mali, and Songhay Empires of West Africa; they were Muslims.
• Atlantic Slave Trade: (1442-1888) The brutal transport of enslaved Africans from Africa to the Americas.
• Arabian Slave Trade: (1400s-1800s) Simultaneously to the Atlantic Slave Trade. Millions taken from Arabia to India

Western Civilization Notes (Cont.)

• Amount of Slaves Traded: Significant increase in the number of slaves traded over 1500-1800s in the Americas.
• Slave Trade Routes: Slaves were traded to different countries including Brazil, the Caribbean Islands, and many parts of the Americas.
• Middle Passage: The brutal sea voyage from Africa to the Americas.
• 40% of slaves came to Brazil: Important destination.
• Age of Enlightenment and Revolution: Chronology and geological factors affected timings.
• Thirty Years' War: (1618-1648) War in Europe between Catholics and Protestants.
• Peace of Westphalia: Treaty that ended the Thirty Years' War.

Western Civilization Notes (Cont.)

• Age of Absolutism and Monarchs: The concept of absolute monarchy, the divine right of kings, and the role of monarchs (like Louis XIV)
• Louis XIV: French monarch considered as the quintessential absolute ruler, known as the Sun King.
• Edict of Fontainebleau: French decree that negatively impacted religious freedom of Huguenots.
• Mercantilism: Central governments controlled economies for national gain. This often included tariffs (taxes on imports).
• Capitalism: A system in contrast to mercantilism, where individuals and private institutions had more control of the economy.

Western Civilization Notes (Cont.)

• War of Spanish Succession: Conflict between England and France over territory and power.
• Spanish Colonization: Significant expansion in South and Central America under Spain.
• 1500's - 1800's data: Numerical data from the text on the volume of slave trades over particular time periods, noting the increase.